The 5 Best Places to Eat in the USC Village
By: Sydney Fiorentino ‘24
Cooking and meal preparation can be difficult, especially as a college student. I can never find time to make food myself. So what do I do? I have to buy food. And where do I go? To the USC Village!
The Village has many restaurants that are fast if there is no line. Unfortunately many places have long lines. But if you are ever indecisive about what you want to eat, look no further! Here are my top five places to eat in the Village.
1. Il Giardino
This is the Italian restaurant across from Target and Trader Joe’s. They make pastas of your choice, sandwiches, salads, or chicken entrees. The prices for the pasta range from $10-15 and include two pieces of bread with each order. Entrees are about $15 without pasta and $20 with pasta included in the dish. I always get Bolognese sauce with tagliatelle because that’s my favorite pasta, and Il Giardino does not disappoint with the meaty and light sauce. When you walk in, the menu consists of all different pasta types (spaghetti, tortellini), and a list of sauce options (red sauce, alfredo.) Usually, there isn’t a long line, and wait time for food is about 10 minutes depending on what you get.
2. Cava
I was not a fan of Cava until my friend got a Rightrice Bowl with hummus, tzatziki, harissa honey chicken, pita crisps, tomato and cucumber salad, and corn. Then on top of all that, add garlic and lemon herb tahini dressing. This combination created a delightful mix of cold and warm as well as garlicky sweetness in my mouth. Ever since then, I’ve ordered the same bowl, and it has never disappointed. When they are out of honey chicken, I like to have the spicy lamb meatballs or falafel. They also have premade combinations in addition to make your own bowls, and you can also get a salad! The prices for Cava range from $14-18 per bowl depending on what you get. Don’t go to Cava if you are in a rush, though, because the line is long!
3. Greenleaf Kitchen
Greenleaf is located next to Sunlife and has green and white walls that create an open atmosphere. Greenleaf has cocktails, margaritas, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Starters range from about $6-10, while entrees range from $10-20. I’ve had their pesto chicken panini, which was very delicious and filling. I’d also recommend their charred buffalo cauliflower! The wait is a bit longer than Il Giardino. The place is cute, but can be expensive!
4. Dulce
Located next to the Amazon store with a bright, loud atmosphere, Dulce makes coffee, matcha, pastries, breakfast items, and salads. Dulce has beautiful floor to ceiling windows! I would recommend going there if you want something sweet, a filling sandwich, or a blueberry matcha! I also lovery the breakfast burrito with avocado and their spicy chicken sandwich. The prices range from $6-8 for a drink, and salads and sandwiches are about $10. If you are in a rush, don’t go to Dulce because 99% of the time there’s a line. However, if there isn’t a line you can get your drink in under 5 minutes! (Way faster than Starbucks.)
5. Rock & Reilly’s
Located at the corner of Jefferson and Hoover Street, this bar is a place where friends and family can gather together. The restaurant mostly has fried food and drinks. Rock & Reilly’s takes reservations and wait times may vary. Drinks are served fast, and food usually comes 5-10 minutes or after. Prices vary for drinks, but food is usually $5-11. I recommend the buffalo cauliflower.
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